DEAN OF STUDENTS FOR JUNIOR HIGH IS NAMED BY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Rich Payne, a teacher at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School for five years, has been named dean of students for the junior high school.

Payne, 33, also has been assistant football coach and head women's track coach. He will complete the football season as assistant coach, but will give up his other coaching duties.

As dean of students, Payne will deal primarily with student discipline and attendance.

The job formerly was called assistant principal, said Timothy Niggle, director of human resources. The name change reflects more accurately what the job entails, Niggle said.

Payne was the unanimous choice of the search committee and is the last of a string of new administrators to be hired for the school district.

He takes over for Gerald Richards, who was promoted to principal at the junior high. The former principal, Lanny Barnes, has been named coordinator of the district's A-Plus Schools grant. New principals and assistants also are at work at the high school and middle school.

Payne said he's pleased to be working with Richards.

"He will do a good job as principal and I hope will train me to do a good job as well," he said.

Announcement of Payne's new job came at a special meeting of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education Wednesday at noon. In addition to Payne's, several other teaching positions were approved by the board.

The board approved the retirement of Gary Lynch, former athletic director and football coach for the school district. His retirement takes effect immediately.

The district also has begun proceedings to dismiss a Cape Girardeau teacher. Niggle said a hearing for that teacher is set for Sept. 12.

SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA

Cape Girardeau School District

Wednesday, Aug. 31, noon

Board of Education Conference Room - 61 N. Clark Srreet

- Call to Order.

- Consideration of Motion for Closed Session to consider: Matters involving hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees as provided under R.S. MO Section: 610.021 (3). Approved motion to meet in closed session.

- Action Items:

Personnel (1) retirement, Approved retirement of Gary Lynch.

(2) employment, Hired Rich Payne, junior high school dean of students, and others

Business (1) tax rate review, No change. (2) categorical transfers (asbestos removal, classroom instructional capital outlay-technology and computers.) Postponed action.

- Adjournment